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mnhtnbb

(33,185 posts)
33. King James VI of Scotland (James I of England and Ireland) wrote the book Daemonologie (1597)
Sun Jan 18, 2026, 10:57 AM
Jan 18
The book frames witchcraft as "treason against God" and endorses the practice of witch hunting.

The book is believed to be one of the main sources used by William
Shakespeare in the production of Macbeth. Shakespeare attributed many quotes and rituals found within the book directly to the 'Weird Sisters', yet also attributed the Scottish themes and settings referenced from the trials in which King James was involved.


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daemonologie

Although the mother of James was Mary, Queen of Scots, who was Catholic, James was raised as a Protestant. He succeeded his cousin, Elizabeth I, in 1603 and reigned in Scotland, England, and Ireland until his death in 1625.


...the witch hunt instituted a regime of terror on all women, from which emerged the new model of femininity to which women had to conform to be socially accepted in the developing capitalist society: sexless, obedient, submissive, resigned to subordination to the male world, accepting as natural the confinement to a sphere of activities that in capitalism has been completely devalued.

The witch hunts were the means by which women in Europe were educated about their new social tasks and a massive defeat was inflicted on Europe's 'lower classes,' who needed to learn about the power of the state to desist from any form of resistance to its rule.
.

Witches, Witch-Hunting, and Women by Silvia Federici. PM Press 2018. pp. 32-33.


When I was in Scotland last fall, on a two week trip prior to seeing the RSC production of Macbeth in Stratford-upon-Avon, I spent some time reading about the history of witch hunting in Scotland. I even did a two hour walk in Edinburgh with an Italian woman guide--who holds a doctorate in Art History from the University of Edinburgh--devoted to the history of witchcraft in Edinburgh. It was a fascinating tour. The Protestant Reformation may have changed some religious practices and beliefs from the Catholic Church, but it did not veer away from the concept or practice of patriarchal dominance.




Recommendations

2 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

When have they not considered women to be enemies? Walleye Jan 17 #1
Correct biophile Jan 17 #6
they have since about 1400 CE DBoon Jan 17 #27
Frightening. Thanks for the history, though. Walleye Jan 17 #31
King James VI of Scotland (James I of England and Ireland) wrote the book Daemonologie (1597) mnhtnbb Jan 18 #33
So now..... Lovie777 Jan 17 #2
Marriage is a truce between wars /nt bucolic_frolic Jan 17 #3
Incel anger sop Jan 17 #4
Women, especially liberal women, prefer to marry men with at least their level of education dedl67 Jan 17 #19
Not quite true 51%of white woman voters voted for the apricothellbeast in '24 irisblue Jan 17 #20
White "liberal" women... sop Jan 17 #23
I am going to politely disagree with you. In a very close race like 24 was irisblue Jan 17 #24
Hillary Derangement Syndrome lives on? SheltieLover Jan 17 #5
Thus the need NJCher Jan 17 #7
Mar a Lago face equals Blow up doll face ToxMarz Jan 17 #18
The reichwing hatred for women grows more insanely dangerous niyad Jan 17 #8
Couldn't agree more with you. no_hypocrisy Jan 17 #10
Then, it is time to form a regiment of nothing but large, supremely independent, white women. OldBaldy1701E Jan 17 #9
And that sure works both ways. yorkster Jan 17 #11
Sorry, I don't understand. My brain is not up yet. niyad Jan 17 #12
I mean the anger works both ways. yorkster Jan 17 #15
Thank you. I had rather thought that was what you meant, but wanted niyad Jan 17 #29
Thx for response, niyad. yorkster Jan 17 #30
We feel like this about them, too? That's my guess. I know it seems like projection to me. littlemissmartypants Jan 17 #16
I cast the entire reich as enemies of the state paleotn Jan 17 #13
I guess that makes us even. MLWR Jan 17 #14
"Uppity women thinking they're people" scare them. Keep up the great work, I say. ... littlemissmartypants Jan 17 #17
The decline of the patriarchy is a sight of wonder. Clouds Passing Jan 17 #21
Right? EuterpeThelo Monday #34
Welcome to du. Clouds Passing Monday #35
Thanks! EuterpeThelo Tuesday #36
Here we go again. Sickening. Some days I'm glad I'm old. Joinfortmill Jan 17 #22
Republicans require their servants dlk Jan 17 #25
This reminds me of the witch-burning era of patriarchal rule. ariadne0614 Jan 17 #26
1+ Norrrm Jan 17 #28
Furious! Again? or is it Still? liberalla Jan 17 #32
Latest Discussions»Alliance Forums»Feminists»The Right Is Furious With...»Reply #33